A 2026 insider relocation guide for anyone considering Reunion Resort as a full-time home near Walt Disney World.
Reunion Resort is one of the most visually stunning and amenity-rich neighborhoods near Disney World. But while it delivers incredible benefits for the right buyer… it also has specific realities that every relocating family, empty nester, remote worker, or investor needs to understand before committing.
This guide is honest, clear, helpful, and designed to help your ideal clients decide whether Reunion fits their lifestyle, not just their Pinterest board.
🌟 Pros of Living in Reunion
1. Unmatched Resort Amenities
Reunion is easily the most resort-like residential community near Disney.
Residents enjoy:
- a full water park
- multiple resort pools
- three Signature golf courses
- on-site restaurants
- tennis + pickleball
- scenic walking paths
- events and activities
For buyers coming from colder climates or from dense city living… this lifestyle feels transformative.
2. 10–15 Minutes to Disney World
Reunion is one of the closest resort communities to the parks, especially:
- Animal Kingdom
- Hollywood Studios
- EPCOT
- Magic Kingdom via 429 or Western Way
For Disney Annual Passholders… this proximity is gold.
Internal link:
✔ Best Suburbs for Disney Lovers
✔ Reunion Resort Neighborhood Breakdown
3. Beautiful Golf-Course and Green-Space Views
Reunion’s landscape is unlike any other in the Disney Bubble.
You’ll find:
- rolling greens
- stunning valley views
- sunrise/sunset scenes across the fairways
- peaceful nature pockets
It feels luxurious even when you’re just walking the dog.
4. Flexible Ownership Models
Reunion works for:
- full-time residents
- snowbirds
- second-home buyers
- STR investors
- hybrid-lifestyle buyers
Very few Disney-area communities offer this flexibility.
Internal link:
✔ Reunion for Relocation vs Investment
5. Gated + Well-Maintained Community Feel
Reunion’s gated entrances and well-kept landscaping give it a curated, polished environment.
Residents who value privacy, safety, and orderliness tend to love it here.
6. Architectural Variety + Luxury Options
Reunion doesn’t look “cookie cutter.”
You’ll find:
- custom estates
- luxury villas
- golf-view homes
- modern townhomes
- stylish condos
The variety makes it attractive for diverse buyers.
7. Great Option for Multi-Generational Living
Because homes come in large footprints (some over 7–10 bedrooms), it’s one of the best neighborhoods for blended families, second-home sharers, or “multiple households pooling resources.”
⚠️ Cons of Living in Reunion
This is where a lot of relocation buyers THANK YOU… because clarity now prevents regret later.
1. Short-Term Rentals Are Common (in many sections)
While some enclaves (like Heritage Preserve) prohibit STRs, many areas of Reunion allow them.
This means:
- more turnover
- more visitors
- seasonal fluctuations in busyness
- occasional parking activity
- more activity around holidays
For some full-time residents, this is a dealbreaker.
For others… they enjoy the resort energy.
Internal link:
✔ Reunion Resort Neighborhood Breakdown
2. Higher HOA/CDD Costs Compared to Suburban Areas
Reunion’s resort lifestyle comes with higher fees due to:
- amenities
- maintenance
- gate security
- landscaping
- resort operation costs
Buyers comparing Reunion to Horizon West or Winter Garden will notice the difference.
Internal link:
✔ Horizon West vs Celebration
✔ Best Neighborhoods in Winter Garden
3. Not a “Traditional Suburb”
Reunion is not like:
- Windermere
- Winter Garden
- Dr. Phillips
- Horizon West
There’s no walkable downtown, no big neighborhood schools, no everyday suburban rhythm.
It is unique… and that uniqueness either delights you or doesn’t fit your life.
4. Shopping and Dining Are Close… But Not Inside the Community
Reunion has restaurants, but for groceries, big box stores, or daily essentials, you’ll drive 5–10 minutes to:
- ChampionsGate
- Four Corners
- Celebration
- Posner Park
Not far… but not walkable.
5. Can Feel Seasonal or Transient in STR-Heavy Zones
Holiday weeks may feel lively and bustling.
January may feel quiet.
Full-time residents need to choose the right village to avoid discomfort.
Internal link:
✔ Reunion for Relocation vs Investment
6. Large Homes Can Mean Higher Maintenance Costs
Especially if:
- you have a pool
- you own golf-view property
- you’re maintaining a themed or luxury build
Not necessarily a con… but something buyers need to hear.
7. Commuting Outside Disney Area Takes Time
If you work in:
- Downtown Orlando
- Lake Nona
- Maitland
- Winter Park
Your commute will run longer compared to Dr. Phillips or Lake Nona residents.
Internal link:
✔ Dr. Phillips Lifestyle Guide
✔ Why Everyone’s Talking About Lake Nona
🎯 Is Reunion Right For You? Honest Buyer Profiles
Reunion fits you if you want:
✔ resort amenities
✔ STR flexibility
✔ golf and scenic views
✔ proximity to Disney
✔ a vacation-at-home lifestyle
✔ the ability to rent when not in use
✔ a hybrid home + investment strategy
Reunion may not fit you if you want:
✘ a traditional suburban neighborhood
✘ walkability to daily essentials
✘ a community with minimal turnover
✘ low HOA fees
✘ “classic Florida suburb” feel like Windermere or Winter Garden
Internal link opportunities:
✔ Windermere vs Dr. Phillips
✔ Best Neighborhoods in Winter Garden
✨ Ready to Find Out if Reunion Is the Right Move?
Deciding to live in Reunion is a lifestyle choice… not just a real estate choice.
If you’re torn between resort living and traditional suburbs, I can walk you through the differences and help you see which community truly supports your goals.
👉 Schedule your Disney Bubble Relocation Strategy Call
Let’s take the next step toward finding your perfect home near the Magic.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter

